Threads of Testimony

Threads of Testimony

Dilara Begum Jolly's solo arts show concludes today

Bengal Art Lounge organised a three-week solo exhibition titled “Threads of Testimony” at its gallery in Gulshan, Dhaka. Chittagong-based artist Dilara Begum Jolly's paintings, drawings, installations and video-art are on display at the show. The exhibition explores major themes that recur through the artist's entire body of work: the complexity of the feminine condition, its confrontation with dominant orders, and its tension with motherhood.

“Threads of Testimony” also has a focus on the condition of women in the garment industry, a theme that the artist has been increasingly exploring in the past.

Entirely in black and white and with several site-specific installations, the show strikes the eye with its formal and visual boldness. The only touches of colour in the exhibition come from the artist's video-works. Jolly's use of the camera is documented by her practice as a performance artist and some of her video works are conceived as performing acts enhanced by the multiple possibilities of digital recording. The results are gripping and constitute a major addition to the artist's cross-genre approach.

“Threads of Testimony” is a new milestone in the long-standing relationship between the artist and the Bengal Foundation. Over the years, Bengal Foundation has had the opportunity to work with Jolly in countless group exhibitions, numerous art camps and a successful solo exhibition at Bengal Shilpalaya in 2006 and during the production of a documentary film on her work. The art show was another feather in the cap of Bengal Art Lounge, a gallery dedicated to artistic research and formal expressions.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition took place on August 16. Celebrated artist Ferdousi Priyobhashini attended the ceremony as chief guest. Anthropologist and activist Saydia Gulrukh was present as a special guest. Among others, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena; noted filmmaker Catherine Masud and celebrated photographer and activist Shahidul Alam attended the inaugural programme. The exhibition is open from 12pm to 8 pm and ends today.

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